Leading airlines suspend flights to Tel Aviv in wake of attack on Israel 

Many leading air carriers including United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines have suspended or reined in flights to and from Tel Aviv in the wake of the recent attacks on Israel. 

In what has been described as the worst attack on Israel in decades, fighters from the Islamist group, Hamas, infiltrated more than 20 Israeli towns and army bases, resulting in 700 Israelis being killed and dozens more abducted.  

Following the attack, there has been a severe Israeli response targeting the Palestine enclave of Gaza, which the UN Humanitarian agency said has displaced almost 125,000 civilians after Israeli airstrikes targeted houses and apartment complexes. 

The US Federal Aviation Authority, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Israel’s Aviation Authority also urged caution in using the region’s airspaces, but as Reuters notes, stopped short of suspending flights. 

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all essential travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Delta, United Airlines and American Airlines have all suspended direct flights following the FAA’s caution advice.  

Similarly, Air France and Finnair have suspended direct flights along with Wizz Air.  

British Airways are monitoring the situation closely and have offered a flexible booking policy for customers. 

"Wizz Air is the most affected group with its operations accounting for some 9.4% of Israel's total October capacity and ... representing some 2.3% of the carrier's total schedules," Irish brokerage Goodbody said, speaking to Reuters. 

Many more airlines are expected to suspend their flights in the coming days.